Brown algae bloom - how can I clean & get rid of this?

[sushiray]

72gal BF barebottom plantless
15 discus juvies, 1 baby royal, 4 baby bn's
pH 6.6 Am/Ni=0 Na=5 API master kit
current 36" dual satellite (10K+6.5K, 420K+460K actinics)
AC110 + Fluval204 + sponge filter

I went away for a week & had my step-dad take care of tank. I diligently did 20-30% daily w/c but I think he left the lights on too long each day. He vac-ed & w/c but I think he also overfed tho he says not much remained & the AC110 filter was doing a good job.

so any suggestions? would like to do it the non-chemical way but if I have to I will. don't have a phosphate tester either but have to assume that I have phosphate levels. I will be scrubbing the algae & cleaning ornaments/heaters, etc. & doing an 80% w/c (still doing daily 30-40%) this evening so hope someone can give me the best way to take care of my algae problem.

thks all.

 

[snoopy65]

Brown algae is diatoms. They happen with just about every new tank because of silica. The best you can do is wipe it off and wait. In time it will go away on it's own.

 

[coach_z]

Brown algae is diatoms. They happen with just about every new tank because of silica. The best you can do is wipe it off and wait. In time it will go away on it's own.

:iagree:
how long has the tank been setup?

 

[jpappy789]

It can last more than just a few months...depends on the setup.

 

[sushiray]

new tank has been working on 10-11weeks. also temps at 87. besides brown algae, have the white worms & white "mites" in tank. so have to deal with a few issues.

thing is have been doing daily w/c's up to 30-40%.

but side note, I think I had a prob with my fluval204 circulating unclean water though I cleaned it out 2weeks ago. I think when I siphoned started the fluval a lot of backwash crud came out even tho I vac-ed it asap, so I think this was the start of my probs.

 

[sushiray]

KORDON ALGAEQUEL

thinking of ordering this, anyone have any experience with this?

Kordon AlgaeQuel™ is a liquid chemical algae control for freshwater aquarium, fountain, and small pond use. It is an effective EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) approved algaecide registered in the States of the U.S.A., (see Warning below under Contraindications and Toxicity") for use in all types of freshwater aquariums, fountains, and small ponds for the control and elimination of algae.

$8.75 16 OZ. BOTTLE

or other recommendations?

 

[jpappy789]

Why? Diatoms will go away on its own...for now just wipe it off.

 

[jm1212]

algae killing chemicals are dangerous for plants and fish in the tank. dont use them.

the brown algae will go away on its own. you can help it a bit by making water changes more frequent.

 

[jpappy789]

Not to mention "brown algae" is not techinally algae at all...

 

[snoopy65]

I would not use any more chemicals than I absolutely had to with discus.